13.06.12
Age old denial
Denying patients care based on their age runs counter to the main objectives of the NHS, and it is high time this practice is eradicated.
With a huge pressure on resources, some clinicians are reluctant or even in opposition to offering some elderly people treatment or surgery.
Viewing age as a simplistic measure for when treatment is no longer worth it is both unethical and misguided. A persons’ health and fitness does not decrease in a standardised correlation with their age.
The health service must learn to consider patients as people first, rather than a number, a drain on budgets, or a risk.
Tell us what you think – have your say below, or email us directly at [email protected]